Canada to invest $35M to expand settlement services for newcomers
Canada announced an investment of $35 million to help ensure that refugees and vulnerable newcomers in small towns have access to the support they need. Settlement services are crucial to newcomers because through them they can get help to learn the official languages and find jobs. They can also get help to find a place to live and, generally speaking, help to succeed in Canada.
New investments
$21 million of the funding will help create 9 new resettlement assistance program service providers in four provinces. The provinces are British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and New Brunswick. According to a media statement, these new organizations will help reduce pressure on the 32 providers currently operating across the country.
The remaining $14 million will go to:
- Improving services for 14 existing service providers, so that they can assist more newcomers; and
- funding a pilot project to boost Francophone case management in the Prairies.
The federal government said that with this investment, “newcomers like the Afghan refugees will be even more supported as they adjust to life in their new home.”
About the Resettlement Assistance Program
The resettlement assistance program operates in all provinces except Quebec. Moreover, it provides newcomers with direct financial support and pays service provider organizations to deliver essential services.
The financial support offered to newcomers through the program includes a one-time start-up allowance and monthly income support. This typically lasts for one year or until newcomers can support themselves.
Free newcomer services
To find free newcomer services near you, please visit the government’s website. Also, be aware that If you are outside Canada, you may be able to get pre-arrival services before you move to Canada.
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